Seminary Announces Fall Campaign

by S Lankes

Appeal to begin in September

Thu, Aug 17th 2017 01:00 pm

The
annual fall campaign for Christ the King Seminary will be held in September throughout
the Diocese of Buffalo, with a goal of $350,000. President-Rector Rev. Joseph Gatto said funds
raised will help support the seminary's mission to educate sponsored candidates
for the priesthood, as well as permanent deacons, and religious and lay
ministers enrolled in graduate programs.

The
campaign will also help focus attention on the many activities that take place
at the seminary year-round. "As the spiritual center for our diocese, the
seminary provides an environment for discernment and formation, serving
countless men and women who are striving to follow the Lord's call in their
life," said Father Gatto. Lay people from varied faith traditions study
alongside those pursuing ordained ministry. Degrees include masters in theology,
pastoral ministry and divinity. Continuing education classes are also available
for those wishing to enrich their faith outside of a formal degree program.

Father
Gatto stated Christ the King expects 34 seminarians this year, including eight new
seminarians. They will join 20 men who are currently in formation to become
deacons and 48 lay students, for a total of 102 graduate students enrolled for
the fall. This past year more than 8,000 people participated in classes, lectures,
retreats and other events on the East Aurora campus. Additionally more than 680
seminary alumni serve in the diocese, including four seminarians who were ordained
into the priesthood in June.

To help
support this year's campaign, Father Gatto will speak about the seminary's
mission and current plans at Masses at the following parishes in September:

St.
Andrew, Kenmore - Saturday, September 2 and Sunday,
September 3

Our
Lady of Pompeii, Lancaster - Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10

Holy
Name of Mary, Ellicottville, Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17

St.
Benedict, Eggertsville - Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24

"Donations of any size are deeply appreciated
and will help support the formation and education of all those who will help us
to serve the future of the Church here in the Diocese of Buffalo and beyond,"
said Father Gatto. Working together, we can ensure we have not only a strong
seminary, but priestly candidates and men and women well prepared to serve for
years to come."

Father
Gatto said it costs more than $35,000 per year, per student to teach and
spiritually direct the seminarians, along with the additional expense of
educating candidates for the Permanent Diaconate, and students pursuing a
graduate theological education, a ministerial education, or a continuing
education program.

Secure
online donations can be made by credit card through the seminary website or by mailing a check to Christ
the King Seminary, P.O. Box 607, East Aurora, N.Y. 14052.